Board Meeting
AGENDA
PLEASE EMAIL (sewd@sewd.net) FOR A COPY OF THE FULL AGENDA PACKET
MEETING NOTICE
THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
STOCKTON EAST WATER DISTRICT WILL BE HELD
AT 12:30 P.M., TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025 AT THE
DISTRICT OFFICE, 6767 EAST MAIN STREET
STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA 95215
Assistance for the Disabled: If you are disabled in any way and need
accommodation to participate in the meeting,
please contact Administrative Staff at (209) 948-0333 at least 48-hours
in advance for assistance so the necessary arrangements can be made.
FOR CONTINUED CONVENIENCE STOCKTON EAST WATER DISTRICT
BOARD MEETINGS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY TELECONFERENCE.
Please call (347) 566-2741/Passcode: 921 317 838#
to be connected to the Regular Board Meeting, to begin at 12:30 p.m.
Agendas and minutes are located on our website at www.sewd.net.
AGENDA
A. Pledge of Allegiance (Director Watkins) & Roll Call
B. Consent Calendar
C. Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
D. Scheduled Presentations and Agenda Items
1. Minutes 04/08/25
2. Warrants – California’s Public Employees Retirement System
3. Stockton East Water District – Consideration of Approving
Out-Of-District Contract – West Coast Grape Farms
4. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Consider
Approving Filing of CEQA Notice of Exemption for
the Hogan Low Water Crossing
5. Stockton East Water District – Staff Report – Solicit Bids
for Construction of Bellota Weir Modifications Project
E. Committee Reports
F. Report of the General Manager
1. Water Supply Report 04/08/24
2. Informational Items (None)
3. Report on General Manager Activities
a. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
4. Stockton East Water District Operations Update
G. Director Reports
1. Ag Venture Day – Tracy, 04/09/25
2. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority
Board Meeting, 04/09/25
3. Calaveras County Water District – Watershed
Resilience Study Presentation, 04/09/25
4. Haven of Peace – Ribbon Cutting, 04/14/25
H. Communications
1. Completion of the JPIA Professional Development
Program Specialty Letter, 04/08/25
I. Agenda Planning/Upcoming Events
1. ACWA Region 4 Tour & Program, 8:00 a.m.,
04/16/25
2. Agricultural Operations Committee Meeting,
10:00 a.m., 04/16/25
3. Municipal Operations Committee Meeting,
12:30 p.m., 04/16/25
4. San Joaquin County Flood and Water Conservation
District Advisory Water Commission Meeting,
1:00 p.m., 04/16/25
5. Groundbreaking Ceremony, 11:30 a.m., 04/18/25
6. Farmington Dam Presentation, 10:00 a.m., 04/21/25
J. Closed Session
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: APN 187-420-170
Agent Negotiator: Justin Hopkins, General Manager
Negotiating Parties: Mary Strojan, Licensee
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION Potential exposure to litigation – Government Code
Section 54956.9 – two cases
K. Adjournment
Certification of Posting
I hereby certify that on April 10, 2025 I posted a copy of the foregoing agenda in the outside display case at the District Office, 6767 East Main Street, Stockton, California, said time being at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Stockton East Water District (Government Code Section 54954.2). Executed at Stockton, California on April 10, 2025.
Signed By: Priya Ram, 04/10/25
Priya Ram, Director of Finance & Administration
Stockton East Water District
Any materials related to items on this agenda distributed to the Board of Directors of Stockton East Water District less than 72 hours before the public meeting are available for public inspection at the District’s office located at the following address: 6767 East Main Street, Stockton, CA 95215. Upon request, these materials may be available in an alternative format to people with disabilities.
THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF STOCKTON EAST WATER DISTRICT WAS HELD AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE
6767 EAST MAIN STREET, STOCKTON, CA
ON TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025, AT 12:30 P.M.
A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL
President McGurk called the regular meeting to order at 12:30 p.m., Director Sanguinetti led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present at roll call at the District were Directors Atkins, McGurk, Panizza, Sanguinetti and Watkins. Also present were Manager Hopkins, Assistant Manager Vega, Director of Finance and Administration Ram, District Engineer Evensen, Maintenance Manager Higares, Water Supply Manager Donis, Administrative Assistant Rodriguez and Legal Counsel Zolezzi. Director Cortopassi and Director Nakaue were absent.
B. CONSENT CALENDAR (None)
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
D. SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS AND AGENDA ITEM
1. Minutes 04/01/25 Regular Meeting
Director Watkins inquired on page 2, item D-4. Manager Hopkins provided clarification.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the April 1, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cortopassi, Nakaue
2. Warrants
a. Fund 70 – Administration Fund
b. Fund 71 – Water Supply Fund
c. Fund 89 – Fish Passage Improvements Fund
d. Fund 91 – Vehicle Fund
e. Fund 94 – Municipal & Industrial Fund
f. Payroll
g. Summary
h. Short Names/Acronym List
i. SEWD Vehicle & Heavy Equipment
Directors Atkins, McGurk and Sanguinetti inquired on the expenses and staff provided clarification.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve the April 8, 2025, Warrants, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cortopassi, Nakaue
3. Stockton East Water District – 2025 Water Rates
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with information regarding the 2025 water rates. Manager Hopkins reported Staff presented different rates to the Agricultural Operations Committee for the committee’s feedback. Manager Hopkins reported the Agricultural Operations Committee recommended to present to the Board water rates of $6.56 per acre foot for groundwater, $24.00 per acre foot for surface water and $55.00 for domestic wells.
a. Public Hearing
President McGurk opened the Public Hearing at 12:42 p.m., to receive comments on the 2025 water rates. Seeing no public comment, President McGurk closed the public hearing at 12:42 p.m.
b. Ordinance No. 51
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with Ordinance No. 51. Manager Hopkins reported staff drafted the proposed Ordinance 51 to establish the water rates for the District’s current fiscal year. Staff is recommending the Board adopt Ordinance No. 51 with the proposed water rates.
Director Watkins recommended creating a newsletter for domestic users, explaining the purpose of the collected domestic well funds, how they are being utilized, and the safety measures in place in case of any issues.
Director Watkins voiced his concerns regarding the rates proposed by the Agricultural Committee. Director Watkins noted the Board previously discussed implementing a single rate for surface water users. The proposed 17-cent increase would generate approximately $22,000 in additional revenue for the District from groundwater users and the $1 increase $6,000 from domestic users. Given the District’s budget surpluses over the past five years and the existence of reserves not allocated to specific projects, Director Watkins stated he does not support raising surface water rates at this time.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve Ordinance No. 51, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Panizza
Nayes: Sanguinetti, Watkins
Abstain: None
Absent: Cortopassi, Nakaue
c. Rule No. 179
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with Rule No. 179. Manager Hopkins reported the District is also required to adopt a rule for rate equalization each year. Manager Hopkins also reported the rate equalization is established via calculation of water treatment plant expenditures within the District’s approved fiscal year budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. Staff is recommending the Board adopt proposed Rule No. 179 setting the rule for rate equalization in the calendar year 2025.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve Rule No. 179, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cortopassi, Nakaue
4. Consider Adopting Resolution 25-26-01 – Designating An Authorized Representative For The Drinking State Water Revolving Fund Financial Assistant Application
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with Resolution No. 25-26-01 Designating An Authorized Representative For The Drinking State Water Revolving Fund Financial Assistant Application. Manager Hopkins reviewed Resolution No. 25-26-01 and staff provided responses to questions.
A motion was moved and seconded to approve Resolution No. 25-26-01 Designating An Authorized Representative For The Drinking State Water Revolving Fund Financial Assistant Application, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cortopassi, Nakaue
5. Consider Adopting Resolution No. 25-26-02 – Declaring The Intent Of The District To Be Reimbursed For Certain Capital Expenditures From The Proceeds Of Indebtedness. Manager Hopkins presented the Board with Resolution No. 25-26-02 Declaring The Intent Of The District To Be Reimbursed For Certain Capital Expenditures From The Proceeds Of Indebtedness. Manger Hopkins reviewed Resolution 25-26-02 and staff provided responses to questions.
A motion was moved and seconded approve Resolution No. 25-26-02 Declaring The Intent Of The District To Be Reimbursed For Certain Capital Expenditures From The Proceeds Of Indebtedness, as presented.
Roll Call:
Ayes: Atkins, McGurk, Panizza, Sanguinetti, Watkins
Nayes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Cortopassi, Nakaue
E. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Executive Committee Meeting, 03/28/25
Director Watkins attended the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Executive Committee Meeting. Director Watkins reported Joel Kimmelshue from Land IQ gave a presentation to the committee, discussing field-by-field evaporation, crop types, and precipitation. Director Watkins also stated there was one applicant for the Executive Director position. The preliminary budget need from the sixteen members is $373,000, which is the same as last year’s first installment. Additionally, work is being done on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which includes $181,000, with an optional $30,000 for additional work. Lastly, at the April 9th Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Board Meeting, the North San Joaquin Water Conservation District (NSJWCD) will present on the GSA Spotlight.
F. REPORT OF GENERAL MANAGER
1. Water Supply Report as of 04/01/25
Manager Hopkins provided a handout of the Water Supply Report for information only that included storage, release, and production data collected from various sources as of midnight last night.
There is 246,001 AF in storage at New Hogan Reservoir. Current releases are set at 22 cfs. There is 1,998,023 AF in storage at New Melones Reservoir. Current releases are set at 730 cfs. The current release at Goodwin Dam to Stanislaus River is set at 1,153 cfs and release to all water users is set at 1,319 cfs. The District Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is currently processing 0 mgd. North Stockton is currently utilizing 0 mgd. South Stockton is currently using 0 mgd. Cal Water is currently utilizing 0 mgd. The City of Stockton WTP is currently processing 18 mgd.
2. Information Items: None
·
3. Report on General Manager Activities
a. Stockton East Water District Activities Update
Manager Hopkins reported the District’s water treatment plant will resume production today. The District and urban contractors will need to flush the lines before receiving the new water.
Manager Hopkins reported the District has completed soliciting interest for out-of-district water this year. A total of 1,655 acre-feet has been identified, and there is an existing water transfer agreement with Rock Creek Water District (RCWD). Manager Hopkins stated staff plans to move forward with the transfer under the existing RCWD transfer agreement, unless the Board would like an item presented for approval; no requests were made.
Manager Hopkins reported he had water transfer discussions with Utica Water & Power, which holds an 1853 water right and has the ability to divert water into New Hogan.
Manager Hopkins reported, at a previous Board meeting, he discussed a potential listing for a 39-acre parcel. Manager Hopkins provided the Board with two maps outlining the potential recharge ground.
Manager Hopkins reported he will be co-presenting with staff from the Calaveras County Water District (CCWD) on the Calaveras River Watershed Resilience Study.
Manager Hopkins provided the Board with a handout inviting them to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Haven of Peace women's shelter.
Manager Hopkins provided the Board with a handout of the Weather Tools update through the end of February. Manager Hopkins reported the reservoir inflow data for New Hogan and New Melones was not included, but he has since discussed with the developer of Weather Tools to have it included in next month's update.
Manager Hopkins provided the Board with the equipment use for the week of March 31, 2025.
4. Stockton East Water District Water Supply Update
Water Supply Manager Donis presented the Board with an update. Water Supply Manager Donis reported the New Melones Lake storage one year ago was 2,028,795 AF, New Hogan Lake storage one year ago was 232,744 AF. The 11 monitoring wells sampled and averaged up 3.1 FT. Water Supply Manager Donis reported dam installations will begin on April 10th at Bellota.
G. DIRECTOR REPORTS
1. Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce – Networking Mixer At The Great Wolf Lodge, 04/03/25
Director Atkins and Manager Hopkins attended the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce Networking Mixer at the Great Wolf Lodge Director Atkins reported that the hotel was nearly at full capacity during their visit. They were given a tour of the Great Wolf Lodge, which offers a wide range of amenities for both kids and adults. Overall, the event was a great success.
H. COMMUNICATIONS
1. Stockton East Water District Support Letter – Senate Bill 259 (Rubio), 03/17/25
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with Senate Bill 259 (Rubio). Manager Hopkins review Senate Bill 259 and provided responses to questions.
2. United States Department of the Interior – Adjusted Declaration of Water Made Available for 2025 – Stockton East Water District Contract Number 4-07-20-W0329-P (Contract), East Side Division, Central Valley Project (CVP), California Letter, 03/21/25
Manager Hopkins presented the Board with a letter from United States Department of the Interior. Manager Hopkins reviewed the letter and provided response to questions.
I. AGENDA PLANNING/UPCOMING EVENTS
1. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Steering Committee Meeting, 8:30 a.m., 04/09/25
*This meeting has been cancelled*
2. AG Venture Day – Tracy, 9:00 a.m., 04/09/25
3. Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority Board Meeting, 10:30 a.m.,04/09/25
4. Calaveras County Water District – Watershed Resilience Study Presentation, 1:00 p.m., 04/09/25
J. REPORT OF THE COUNSEL
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property: 091-240-120-000, 091-240-250-000, 091-240-350-000
Agent Negotiator: Justin Hopkins, General Manager
Negotiating Parties: Robert V & Venere M Marciano TR
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNCEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Potential exposure to litigation – Government Code Section 54956.9 – two cases
President McGurk adjourned the meeting to closed session at 1:25 p.m. The regular meeting reconvened at 2:33 p.m., with no reportable action.
K. ADJOURNMENT
President McGurk adjourned the meeting at 2:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Justin M. Hopkins
Secretary of the Board
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